University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities across India to celebrate November 11 as National Education Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and independent India’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

In a circular issued to the universities, UGC secretary Jaspal Sandhu stated that the Ministry of Human Resource Development has desired that educational institutions to be involved in the celebration of the National Education Day in organising seminars, symposia, essay writing, elocution competitions, workshops and rallies with banners, cards and slogans on the importance of education and the nation’s commitment to all aspects of education.

Azad was a meritorious student and brought out several journals.

He served as the India’s first Minister of Education from 1947 to 1958. He emphasised on free and compulsory education for all under 14 and stressed on adult illiteracy.

He established numerous universities and called for institutions that promoted research and higher studies. The first IIT, IISc and the University Grants Commission were established under his tenure.